Tire sizing question

[HappyHour]

I know how much we like to talk about tires on the forum and I checked previous threads on best size for 14inch GT rims.

Was looking to replace all 4 tires of my CS and was wondering how big of a difference running 215 70s versus 205 70s would be on a 14in rim. Currently I have 205s but the local tireshop will take a day or 2 extra to order em. They do have 215 in stock.

I did a comparison on web calculator but realized it may just come down to looks as long as it isnt rubbing? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

205 versus 215
Section Width: 8.07 in 205 mm
Section Width: 8.46 in 215 mm

Rim Diameter: 14 in 355.6 mm
Rim Diameter: 14 in 355.6 mm

Rim Width Range: 5 - 7.5 in
Rim Width Range: 5.5 - 7.5 in

Overall Diameter: 25.29 in 642.36 mm
Overall Diameter: 25.85 in 656.59 mm

Sidewall Height: 5.64 in 143.25 mm
Sidewall Height: 5.92 in 150.36 mm

Radius: 12.64 in 321.05 mm
Radius: 12.92 in 328.16 mm

Circumference: 79.45 in 2018.0 mm
Circumference: 81.21 in 2062.7 mm

Revs per Mile: 822.4
Revs per Mile: 804.6

Actual Speed: 60 mph 100 km/h
Speedometer1: 58.7 mph 97.8 km/h

Speedometer Difference: - Speedometer Difference: 2.212% too slow
Diameter Difference: - Diameter Difference: 2.17%

 

[franklinair]

I used the 215's. I think they offer the right stance.

Neil

 

[GTCS95616]

Unless you are looking for a stock appearance, you should also check 65 series tires if you want more tire width. The tirerack.com has all of the specifications for a large number of tire manufacturers.

 

[franklinair]

For 14" rims, there's only ONE size that looks SHARP: 215X70. IMHO

Neil

 

[68gt390]

I was previously running F70's but, in order to get a little more aggressive look on the back I went with -

BF Goodrich T/A's. P225-60X14 on the front and P245-60X14 on the rear. the P245-60's on the rear are about the widest you can get on the 6" stock rim. Plus, they give you a little more meat on the back than F70's.

Don - :grin:

 

[HappyHour]

Thanks guys...Im a carnivore so yes I like meat.

Ill prolly go with the 215x70 to keep it stock looking and then get some phatties on wider rims when I wanna go aggressive.

 

[HappyHour]

Neil please forgive me. I went in trying to buy BF Goodies 215 70's and I came out with 235 60's and man are they soweeet!!

The tire guy was classic car guy and gave me the set he was saving for his 70's car. The whole tire shop was hootin and hollerin when the new shoes went on.

My front end problem\camber\hoppityhop problem is gone! better handling. Just needed some meat in my diet.

So question...do I need to do a realignment to ensure Im good? I just got one done before driving the CS up from SoCal but want to ensure I preserve tread.

 

[franklinair]

Probably OK, but I'd have the alignment checked precautionary.
(you traitor):wink:

Neil

 

[robert campbell]

Wow, your cars must be alot higher than mine. I have 215 70R 14 on painted style steels. They are tight and can rub just a bit in a corner if I bounce. Don't like that! Might drop to a 205.

I would like to survey front end heigth. My car is 24.5 inches from the ground to the center of the fender opening.

I looked at some of the gallerys above and you must be way higher than mine to run those size tires.

Guess I like my cars low....

Rob

 

[franklinair]

My fender well openings, at the highest point measured from the ground = 28". This is with P215/14/70 tires. Do you have tired springs or lowered the car?

Neil

 

[robert campbell]

lowered. In the back also